Conservation Centers for Species Survival “CCSS”
What Is It, And How Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Is Involved
By Kelley Snodgrass, Director of Animal Care

The five institutions represent the largest landholders within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (25,000 acres collectively). Each of the five which is comprised of the San Diego Wild Animal Park, White Oak Conservation Center, National Zoological Park – Conservation & Research Center, The Wilds, and Fossil Rim Widlife Center, brings a unique opportunity to pool a diversity of resources and expertise.

The purpose of this alliance is to cooperatively apply unique resources to the study, management and survival of rare & threatened species and habitats.

Its mission is to provide world leadership in studying and creating self-sustaining populations ex situ and in situ.

Simply stated, by joining forces and recognizing the large tracts of land managed by all five, we can work together to secure larger, sustainable – more socially correct populations of animals for in situ and ex situ programs. Currently the focus of CCSS is on North African arid land antelope species, wild equids (specifically the Przewalski’s horse), an in situ Saiga project, Takin, and a collaborative cheetah research initiative. Other species are under consideration with additions certainly to happen in the future. Another extremely exciting focus is on natural resources management. This initiative has already spawned a grant awarded to study invasive species control & habitat enhancement, and is titled “Managing N.A. Landscapes for Native Biodiversity”.

Through participation with CCSS we have acquired a Przewalski horse, and dama gazelle with additional animals to be added in the future. We have been working with several of the focus species such as addax, Arabian oryx, scimitar-horned oryx, and cheetah. The management/enhancement of natural resources is underway, and we are exploring new management techniques for ungulate species.

We are excited about strengthening exiting conservation programs, and the development of new programs and alliances. CCSS will help FRWC initiatives in the conservation world both on and off site.